Chapter 27: Im A Crichton

The silver-haired woman, she shook her head and said, No, I wont.

Why? Come on, pick one, the princess said.

Do it yourself. The silver-haired woman turned away and refused the princess flatly.

Because the king loved his daughter wholeheartedly, her words and commands was akin to the kings orders. She was known for her hot temper and none could placate her excerpt the royal family, her relatives, and the nanny. And so, none had the guts and boldness to speak to the princess in a manner unbefitting their image.

Helena burst out in laughter and stood up from her chair. I was merely jesting. Dont tell me you thought Id make you lots jump and drown into the lake in this freezing weather.

The young nobles laughed awkwardly and thought, Youre the type to do that.

Helena crossed her arms. Of course I wont do it. Since Rhia said so, well be stopping here.

One gentleman blushed at her words. He was the cause of their suffering for his veiled sarcastic remark earlier that said, Is Rihannan truly an Arundell spy?

Had Rihannan chose to turn his life upside down, well he did not want to imagine what the princess would do to him and what the future would entail.

Oh Lord, whats all this?!

A shrill voice rang out from behind and all turned their heads at the same time and saw the princesss nanny stare at them with a look of astonishment.

What is all this? What is happening?

The sons and daughters of the nobility looked a hot mess. Muds and leaves clotted their face and their clothes torn and tattered. They looked like a commoner laboring in the field all day. The nanny thought this was the princesss doing and immediately grabbed a hold of her.

The nanny reigned her annoyance and spat out, Well, what are you all doin here? Scram!

Yes!

And they scattered.

Helena looked back at the nobles without a remote sign of emotion, complaining rather that she suffered from emotional distress.

Princess, follow me this instant. You too, Rihannan!

On the way to, the nanny drowned Helena and Rihannan in the language of nagging, a discourse Helena despised.

Why must you do this, princess? She scolded Helena.

And she rebuked Rihannan and said, And you, why did you help the princess rather than stop hear?

As the nanny grew ever-so-bold placing the blame towards Rihannan, Helena burst out into a fit of anger.

I had planned to do this from the very start! If Rihannan hadnt been present, who knows what mightve occurred.

Goodness, princess, you cant continue to act like this.

And then she nagged. She nagged and she nagged, but eventually, she had to let go. Rihannan and the princess needed a break under the pretext of tea time.

Rhia, you know that I played Kiritte intentionally to have Ashton suffer. Why didnt you choose him when you were given the chance? Helena said as she stuffed her

mouth with sweet cookies.

Because I do not want to.

Why? Youve been provoked all this time. They continue to ask of your allegiance between Chrichton and Arundell for the naval battle. Im sure its a shadow in your back, Helena said.

Rihannan smiled softly. Its true that Im a halfblood, but it matters not to me. I dont care much what Ashton has to say. No matter what they think of me, Im a Crichton. Ive long forgotten Arundell.

There exists a certain firmness in Rihannans light sky-blue eyes; Helena sighed gazing at it.

Yes, I know. You loathe Arundell more than anyone.

Yes, so dont worry. Ashtonll continue to talk like always, but Im sure hell be more quiet and even more so when the naval battle is over, Rihannan replied.

Yes, well win this time again. Helena lifted her teacup and smiled. Our Crichton fleet would never lose to Arundell, after all.

Helenas smile beamed with arrogance and confidence. Crichton had never lost a battle in the sea. Not now and not ever.

Rihannan lowered her eyes and listened to Helenas words full of pride. Helena was right. Crichton would win the naval battle. This was absolute truth.

Long ago, Crichton consolidated itself as a naval power while Arundell was known for its dominance in land. And though Arundell and Crichton border each other, rough terrains often separated the two nations and made the journey by foot difficult. So back and forth travel often occurred via seafare route.

Arundell bordered many countries and their surrounding land had a vast rich resources whereas Chrichton built their wealth on sea trades. Both Crichton and Arundell had long maintained an alliance with so few military clashes, but conflicts had always occurred at a local level. One example was Arundell tasting bitter defeat at the hands of Chrichton in the naval battle. Arundells skills could not defeat the experienced Chrichton, the strongest player in the sea.